Electrically conductive polymer suspension, electrically conductive polymer composition, solid electrolytic capacitor, and method for producing the same

ABSTRACT

An electrically conductive polymer composition has high electrical conductivity, excellent water resistance, high density, and excellent smoothness. Also disclosed is a solid electrolyte capacitor which is prevented from the reduction in electrical conductivity, has low ESR, and also has excellent reliability. Further disclosed is a method for producing the solid electrolyte capacitor. The electrically conductive polymer composition is produced by removing a dispersion medium from an electrically conductive polymer suspension, wherein the electrically conductive polymer suspension includes: an electrically conductive polymer material including a dopant composed of a polyacid or a salt thereof and an electrically conductive polymer; at least one compound (A) selected from erythritol, xylitol and pentaerythritol; and the dispersion medium.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electrically conductive polymersuspension, an electrically conductive polymer composition, a solidelectrolytic capacitor, and a method for producing the same, moreparticularly, to an electrically conductive polymer suspension havingexcellent dispersibility, an electrically conductive polymer compositionhaving high electrical conductivity and excellent water-resistance, asolid electrolytic capacitor having low equivalent series resistance andexcellent reliability, and a method for producing the same.

BACKGROUND ART

A solid electrolytic capacitor has been developed in which a porous bodymade of valve-action metal such as tantalum or aluminum is subjected toanodizing process so that a dielectric oxidation film is formed on theporous body and, then, a electrically conductive polymer layer is formedon the dielectric oxidation film, and the electrically conductivepolymer layer is employed as the solid electrolyte of the capacitor.

A method of forming the electrically conductive polymer layer whichserves as the solid electrolyte of the capacitor is mainly classifiedinto chemical oxidation polymerization or electrolysis polymerization.The monomers of which the electrically conductive polymer material iscomposed are known to include pyrrole, thiophene,3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, and aniline.

Such solid electrolytic capacitors have lower ESR (Equivalent SeriesResistance) than a conventional capacitor employing manganese dioxide asthe solid electrolyte and, thus, begins to be utilized in variouspurposes. Recently, as integrated circuits tend to operate at highfrequency and large current, a solid electrolytic capacitor has been indemand which has lower ESR and large capacitance and small loss.

As the technique related to such solid electrolytic capacitors, Patentdocument 1 discloses the improved process for producing the solidelectrolytic capacitor with low ESR in which a high-density polymerouter layer with good covering of the edges can be simply achieved andreliably reproduced, comprising the steps of: applying a dispersion a)comprising particles b) of an electrically conductive polymer whichcomprises polyaniline and/or polythiophene onto a capacitor body whichcomprises a porous electrode body made of electrode material, adielectric covering the surface of the electrode material, and a solidelectrolyte comprising a electrically conductive material on thedielectric surface; and at least partly removing a dispersing agent d)and/or curing a binder c) in order to form an electrically conductivepolymeric outer layer; wherein the particles b) of the electricallyconductive polymer in the dispersion a) have an average diameter of 70to 500 nm.

It is preferable that the dispersion a) further comprises a compoundincluding an ether, lactone, amide or lactam group; a sulfone; asulfoxide; a sugar; a sugar derivative; a sugar alcohol; a furanderivative; and/or a di- or poly-alcohol in order to increase theconductivity.

DOCUMENT(S) OF PRIOR ART Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.2006-295184.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, in case that a sugar alcohol in which the number of OH group ofsorbitol and mannitol are relatively rich are contained as the additivein the polymer solution, there occur their precipitations in the dryingof a film-formation process. The resultant electrically conductivepolymer film has low density, low conductivity, and bad state of surfacesmoothness (whether or not there are residual bubbles, whether or notthere are precipitations). In the capacitor with the film in this state,there is large resistance at the interface between the film and agraphite layer or an inner polymeric layer, and there is a problem thatESR becomes higher. Further, because of the bad state of the surfacesmoothness, sealing performance is bad and, hence, ESR deteriorationcomes into being accelerated in long-term stability tests such as amoisture-resistance or a heat-resistance.

As mentioned above, although the solid electrolytic capacitor employingthe electrically conductive polymer as the solid electrolyte has beenstudied in various aspects, current situation has still been that bothof the low ESR and the good long-term stability are not yet sufficientlyaccomplished at the same time.

Purposes for the present invention is to provide an electricallyconductive polymer composition having high electrical conductivity,excellent water-resistance, high density and excellent smoothness; toprovide a solid electrolytic capacitor avoiding reduction of theconductivity and having low ESR and excellent reliability, and a methodfor producing the same, and further to provide a method of convenientlyproducing a solid electrolytic capacitor using substituted compoundbeing easy to handle and being safe additive.

Means for Solving the Problem

An electrically conductive polymer suspension according to the presentinvention is characterized in that the suspension comprises anelectrically conductive polymer material comprising dopant composed of apolyacid or a salt thereof and an electrically conductive polymer; atleast one compound (A) selected from erythritol, xylitol andpentaerythritol; and a dispersion medium.

It is preferable that the electrically conductive polymer materialcomprises, as the dopant, a polysulfonic acid or a polycarboxylic acid.It is more preferable that the electrically conductive polymer materialcomprises, as the dopant, a polystyrene sulfonic acid or a polyestersulfonic acid. It is preferable that the electrically conductive polymermaterial comprises, as the electrically conductive polymer, a polymerobtained by polymerizing at least one monomer selected from a groupconsisted of pyrrole, thiophene, aniline and derivatives thereof.

An electrically conductive polymer composition according to the presentinvention is characterized in that the composition is obtained byremoving the dispersion medium from the electrically conductive polymersuspension. It is preferable that removing the dispersion medium iscarried out at the melting temperature of the compound (A) or higher.

A solid electrolytic capacitor according to the present invention ischaracterized in that the capacitor comprises a solid electrolyte layercomprising the electrically conductive polymer composition. It ispreferable that the solid electrolytic capacitor further comprises ananode body made of a valve action metal; and a dielectric layer formedon the surface of the anode body, wherein the solid electrolyte layer isformed on the dielectric layer. It is preferable that the valve actionmetal is at least one selected from aluminum, tantalum or niobium.

A method for producing a solid electrolytic capacitor according to thepresent invention is characterized in that the method comprises forminga dielectric layer on a surface of an anode body made of a valve actionmetal; and forming a first electrically conductive polymer layer byapplication or impregnation of the electrically conductive polymersuspension onto the dielectric layer, and by removing the dispersionmedium from the electrically conductive polymer suspension. It ispreferable that the method further comprises, before forming the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer, forming a second electricallyconductive polymer layer on the dielectric layer by a chemical oxidationpolymerization or an electrolysis polymerization. It is preferable thatin forming the first electrically conductive polymer layer, removing thedispersion medium is carried out at the melting temperature of thecompound (A) or higher. It is preferable that temperature at which thedispersion medium is removed is equal to 150° C. or higher and lowerthan 270° C. It is preferable that an oxidation film covering the valveaction metal is formed as the dielectric layer. It is preferable thatthe valve action metal is at least one selected from aluminum, tantalumor niobium.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, in that at least one compound (A)selected from erythritol, xylitol and pentaerythritol is contained inthe electrically conductive polymer layer, the electrically conductivepolymer composition having high density, high electrical conductivityand good moisture-resistance can be obtained. Moreover, the solidelectrolytic capacitor having low ESR and excellent reliability and themethod for producing the same can be provided. Further, a method ofconveniently producing the solid electrolytic capacitor using a materialto be easy to handle can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view illustrating an inner structure of a solidelectrolytic capacitor according to the present invention.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An electrically conductive polymer suspension according to the presentinvention is characterized in that the suspension comprises anelectrically conductive polymer material comprising dopant composed of apolyacid or a salt thereof and an electrically conductive polymer; atleast one compound (A) selected from erythritol, xylitol andpentaerythritol; and a dispersion medium.

A polyacid or salt thereof can be used as the dopant. Specific examplesof polyacid may include, but is not limited to, polysulfonic acids suchas polyvinyl sulfonic acids, polystyrene sulfonic acids andpoly(2-acrylicamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid), and polycarboxylicacids such as polyacrylic acids, polymethacrylic acids and polymaleicacids. Among them, polystyrene sulfonic acids and polyester sulfonicacids are more preferable. The polyacid or salt thereof may be usedalone or in combinations of two or more thereof. Weight-averagemolecular weight of the polyacid or salt thereof is not limited.

As an electrically conductive polymer, a polymer obtained bypolymerizing at least one monomer selected from a group consisted ofpyrrole, thiophene, aniline and derivatives thereof can be used.Derivatives of thiophene may include 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene. As anelectrically conductive polymer, 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene ispreferably used. The electrically conductive polymer may be used aloneor in combinations of two or more thereof.

As a dispersion medium, it is preferable to choose a dispersion mediumwhich has good compatibility with a monomer of which the electricallyconductive polymer is composed, and any one of water, organic solventand water-miscible organic solvent may be used. Specific examples of theorganic solvent may include, but is not limited to, alcohol-basedsolvents such as methanol, ethanol and propanol; aromatichydrocarbon-based solvents such as benzene, toluene and xylene; andaliphatic hydrocarbon-based solvents such as hexane. The organic solventmay be used alone or in combinations of two or more thereof. Among them,water is preferable.

The density of the electrically conductive polymer in the electricallyconductive polymer suspension may preferably be in a range of 0.1 to 20weight % and, more preferably be in a range of 0.5 to 10 weight %. Inorder to obtain the electrically conductive polymer with highconductivity, it is preferable to use 20 to 3000 weight of the dopant,more preferable to use 30 to 1000 weight of the dopant, in relation to100 weight of the electrically conductive polymer.

The electrically conductive polymer suspension according to the presentinvention comprises at least one compound (A) selected from erythritol,xylitol and pentaerythritol. The compound (A) provides good dispersionability for the electrically conductive polymer suspension and, hence,provides high density, high conductivity and good moisture-resistancefor the electrically conductive polymer composition. In particular,pentaerythritol can exhibit the above-mentioned function even when thesuspension contains small amount of pentaerythritol, and, hence,pentaerythritol is suitably used.

The dispersion ability in the electrically conductive polymer suspensionbefore/after adding the compound (A) may be evaluated by a particle sizedistribution measurement method and, also, may be evaluated by acentrifugal sedimentation method, a light transmission method, a laserdiffraction method, a dynamic light scattering method, or supersonicwave method as well.

It is preferable that the compound which is added into the electricallyconductive polymer suspension is in form of solid powder. In addition,it is preferable that the compound can be dissolved into the dispersionmedium of the electrically conductive polymer suspension and the meltingtemperature of the compound is equal to or higher than the boiling pointof the dispersion medium. For example, in case that the suspensioncontains water as the dispersion medium, it is preferable that thecompound to be added has a melting temperature equal to or higher than100° C. Here, the melting temperature of the compound may be measured byTG/DTA (differential thermal analysis) or DSC (differential scanningcalorimetric analysis).

The content of the compound (A) is not limited and only mixing thecompound (A) may be effective. Mixing the compound (A) with molar amountequal to or more than that of polyacid component is preferable becauseparticle dispersion ability in the electrically conductive polymersuspension becomes excellent and, hence, the electrically conductivepolymer composition with high density or high conductivity may beobtained. An upper limit of the content of the compound (A) is notlimited as long as the compound (A) is able to be dissolved into theelectrically conductive polymer suspension.

Erythritol is preferable in that crystallinity of erythritol is higherthan, for example, that of polyhydric alcohol such as sorbitol andmaltose and, hence, erythritol has good moisture-resistance and is easyto handle.

Erythritol and xylitol are also preferable in that they are known to beadditives for food, e.g. a sweetener, and, hence, they have excellentsafety and stability and impose low load onto the environment. Moreover,they are desirable in that their solubility levels into water areseveral times larger than those of non-aqueous solvents such as ethyleneglycol and glycerin and, hence, freedom degrees to design added amountsthereof are higher than those of the non-aqueous solvents.

Pentaerythritol is characterized in that when it is heated, itsublimates slowly, and in that by heating it at a temperature equal toor higher than the melting point, it comes into be dehydrated andpolymerized. By this, quality of the polymer film changes and filmdensity and strength may improve, thereby the polymer film withexcellent reliability may be obtained. Such reaction characteristicsresult from its chemical structure, and it is hard for such reactioncharacteristics to occur, for example, with chemical structures oferythritol and sorbitol.

The electrically conductive polymer composition according to the presentinvention is characterized in that it is obtained by removing thedispersion medium from the above-mentioned electrically conductivepolymer suspension. The temperature, at which the dispersion medium isremoved, is not limited as long as the temperature is equal to or morethan a boiling point thereof, but it is preferable that the temperatureis equal to or more than a melting temperature of the compound (A)because the resultant electrically conductive polymer composition hashigh density and high moisture-resistance. It is understood that thiseffect results from generation of ester as mentioned above.

To be specific, the temperature, at which the dispersion medium isremoved, is preferably equal to or higher than 150° C. and morepreferably equal to 180° C. or higher than 180° C. and less than 270° C.The drying time needs to be appropriately optimized according to dryingtemperature but, is not limited as long as deterioration of theelectrically conductive polymer due to heating for the duration does notoccur.

The present invention is directed to a solid electrolytic capacitorcomprising a solid electrolyte layer comprising the above-mentionedelectrically conductive polymer composition. Specifically, the solidelectrolytic capacitor further comprises an anode body made of a valveaction metal, and a dielectric layer formed on the surface of the anodebody, wherein the solid electrolyte layer is formed on the dielectriclayer.

The solid electrolytic capacitor according to the present invention canbe produced by forming a dielectric layer on a surface of an anode bodymade of the valve action metal; and forming a first electricallyconductive polymer layer by application or impregnation of theabove-mentioned electrically conductive polymer suspension onto thedielectric layer, and by removing the dispersion medium from theelectrically conductive polymer suspension.

In the following, configuration of the solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to the present invention and method for producing the samewill be explained. FIG. 1 shows a schematic view illustrating an innerstructure of a solid electrolytic capacitor according to the presentinvention.

In the solid electrolytic capacitor (also called as capacitor element)of FIG. 1, dielectric layer 2, solid electrolyte layer 3 and cathodelayer 4 in this order are formed on anode body 1.

Anode body 1 is made of a plate, a foil or a line of the valve actionmetal; a sintered body made of valve-action metal particles; or a porousbody of metal which has been subjected to a surface-enlargementtreatment by etching. Specific examples of the valve action metal mayinclude, but is not limited to, tantalum, aluminum, titanium, niobium,zirconium or alloys thereof, and it is preferable that the valve actionmetal is at least one selected from tantalum, aluminum or niobium.

Dielectric layer 2 is, for example, an oxidation film obtained byelectrolysis oxidizing of the surface of anode body 1, and is alsoformed in porous portions of the sintered body or the porous body. Thethickness of the oxidation film can be appropriately adjusted based onthe voltage in the electrolysis oxidizing.

Solid electrolyte layer 3 may include at least an electricallyconductive polymer layer but, in the present invention, may include atleast first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B containing theabove-mentioned electrically conductive polymer composition. Theelectrically conductive polymer layer may include the polymer obtainedby polymerizing at least one monomer selected from a group consisted ofpyrrole, thiophene, aniline and derivatives thereof. In particular,pyrrole, thiophene, or derivatives thereof is preferably used, andpyrrole, thiophene or 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene is more preferablyused.

Solid electrolyte layer 3 may include an oxide derivative such asmanganese dioxide or ruthenium oxide; or an organic semiconductor suchas TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquionodimethane complex salt).

The first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B is formed by, afterforming dielectric layer 2 on the surface of anode body 1 made of thevalve action metal, application or impregnation of the above-mentionedelectrically conductive polymer suspension onto the dielectric layer,and by removing the dispersion medium from the electrically conductivepolymer suspension. Moreover, before forming the first electricallyconductive polymer layer 3B, second electrically conductive polymerlayer 3A may be formed on dielectric layer 2 by a chemical oxidationpolymerization or an electrolysis polymerization. The monomer which isused in forming the second electrically conductive polymer layer 3A maybe the same as that used in forming the above-mentioned electricallyconductive polymer suspension. A metal salt or a sulfate may be used asan oxidizing agent.

As the method for applying the electrically conductive polymersuspension onto the dielectric layer, it is preferable that the appliedsuspension is left for several minutes to several of ten minutes afterthe application so that the suspension can be sufficiently filled intothe porous portions of the porous body. As the method for impregnatingthe dielectric layer with the suspension, it is preferable thatimmersing the dielectric layer into the suspension is repeated. Apressurizing method or a depressurizing method is also preferable.

The temperature at which the dispersion medium is removed is not limitedas long as the dispersion medium can be removed at the temperature, butthe removal is preferably carried out at the temperature equal to ormore than the melting temperature of the compound (A), more preferablycarried out at the temperature lower than 270° C. in order to avoid thedeterioration of the element due to the heat.

It is preferable that the first electrically conductive polymer layer 3Band the second electrically conductive polymer layer 3A closely formedon the surface of dielectric layer 2 have the same back-bone structureas that of the electrically conductive polymer.

The dopant used in forming the second electrically conductive polymerlayer 3A may preferably be a sulfonic acid based-compound such asnaphthalene sulfonic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, phenol sulfonic acid,styrene sulfonic acid, camphor sulfonic acid or a derivative thereof.Further, with regard to the molecular weight of the dopant, the dopantis appropriately selected from low molecular weight compounds to highmolecular weight compounds.

Cathode layer 4 is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive,and may have two layered structure including graphite layer 5 made ofgraphite and silver/electrically conductive resin layer 6.

(Operation)

By mixing at least one compound (A) selected from erythritol, xylitoland pentaerythritol into the electrically conductive polymer suspensioncomprising the dopant composed of polyacid or salt thereof, excessivedopants (resistance components), which exist on outer surfaces of theelectrically conductive polymer particles dispersed in the suspensionand which do not function as the dopant, are isolated, and thereby theresistances between the electrically conductive polymer particles maydecrease and density of the electrically conductive polymer mayincrease. Therefore, the polymer film with high density can be obtainedand, as a result, high conductivity is accomplished. Further, there arenot bubbles in the electrically conductive polymer film and, therefore,the film has a smooth surface. Additionally, the electrically conductivepolymer film with good moisture-resistance can be produced.

Specifically, since the compound (A) has a hydroxyl group at theterminal end, the compound functions so as to dissociate, for example, asulfonic acid compound as the above-mentioned dopant into ion pairs,and, consequently, the conductivity of the electrically conductivepolymer film may increase, and the dispersion ability of the particlesin the suspension may improve with the electric charge repulsionsbetween the particle surfaces by the ion pairs.

In addition, it is thought that by removing the dispersion medium, thereoccurs dehydration condensation between sulfonic acid group orcarboxylic acid group derived from polyacid and the hydroxyl group and,hence, the ester is generated, so that the sulfonic acid or thecarboxylic acid reduces, thereby changing hydrophilic property tohydrophobic property.

By these operations, in the solid electrolytic capacitor according tothe present invention, the first electrically conductive polymer layerwith high density is formed and, at the same time, it penetrates intomore internal regions of the porous body being the anode body, so thatthe contact region between the dielectric layer or the secondelectrically conductive polymer layer and the first electricallyconductive polymer layer in the external region (surface region) mayincrease, and adhesion ability of the first electrically conductivepolymer layer in the inner porous portion/the external portion mayimprove due to anchoring effect, whereby realizing an electricallyconductive path sufficiently.

Additionally, since it has the electrically conductive polymer film withhigh density and low moisture adsorption, interfacial peeling due tothermal stress or moisture adsorption is prevented.

Accordingly, since interfacial peeling due to thermal stress or moistureadsorption is prevented without decreasing the conductivity of theelectrically conductive polymer layer, the capacitor with low ESR andimproved reliability is realized.

(Comparison with Prior Art)

When comparing the present invention with the technology disclosed inPatent document 1, configurations of the electrically conductive polymerlayers are different between them. Specifically, Patent document 1exemplifies many kinds of materials as one for increasing theconductivity and uses among them only dimethyl sulfoxide in Examples.However, dimethyl sulfoxide is completely different from erythritol,xylitol or pentaerythritol used in the present invention in a back-bonestructure and material characteristics. Moreover, Patent document 1never explicitly discloses the operation that these compounds increasethe conductivity.

Any one of erythritol, xylitol and pentaerythritol used in the presentinvention is not disclosed in Patent document 1. Among them,pentaerythritol is the material which is realized by focusing thereactivity of polycondensation from the characteristic of the chemicalstructure.

That is, it is apparent that Patent document 1 adds the material intothe suspension with the focus and intended operation which are differentfrom those in the present invention in which the material containing thehydroxyl group is used. Therefore, it is obvious that Patent document 1never teaches the present invention and that the present invention cannot be easily realized.

EXAMPLES

Now, the present invention will be described in details with referenceto Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the Examples.

In addition, erythritol, xylitol and pentaerythritol used in theexamples are commercially available.

Example 1

Example 1 will be explained referring to FIG. 1. A porous body aluminumfoil which has 3×4 mm size and which has been subjected to a surfaceenlargement treatment by etching was used as anode body 1, and, then, anoxidation film as dielectric layer 2 was formed on the surface of thefoil using an electrolysis oxidizing method. After that, the resultantstructure was repeatedly immersed into a bath containing a monomersolution and a bath containing a dopant and an oxidizing agent solution.Subsequently, second electrically conductive polymer layer 3A made ofpoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) was formed in internal porous portionsof the porous body by a chemical polymerization method.

Thereafter, 1 g of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was poured into a mixturesolution of 100 g of pure water and 2 g of polystyrene sulfonic acid(M.w.: 50,000) and the resultant mixture was stirred at normaltemperature for five minutes. Next, 40 wt % persulfuric acid ammoniumwater solution was poured by 1 ml/min so that the total poured amountthereof comes to 5 g, and, then, the resultant mixture was stirred (with1,000 rpm) for 50 hours at normal temperature so that oxidationpolymerization thereof occurred. In this way, obtained was a polymersuspension containing approximately 3 wt % of the electricallyconductive polymer material component composed ofpoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonic acid. At thistime, the color of the suspension changed as follows: light yellow→lightgray→gray→dark green→light deep blue→dark deep blue. After collecting 10g of the suspension with dark deep blue, 0.5 g of erythritol was mixedthereto, and, then, the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes to bedissolved, and, as a result, the electrically conductive polymersuspension was obtained.

The particle size distribution of the electrically conductive polymersuspension was measured using a laser diffraction method. As the resultof the measurement, D50 value was 0.92 Here, D50 was a particle diameterwhen the accumulation mass became 50% in an accumulation particle sizecurve.

5 μl of this electrically conductive polymer suspension was dropped ontosecond electrically conductive polymer layer 3A and was left for 10minutes at normal temperature. Next, preliminary drying was performedfor 10 minutes at 120° C. and, subsequently, main drying was performedfor 30 minutes at 180° C., thereby forming first electrically conductivepolymer layer 3B.

Visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer 3Bwas checked by human eyes and film density thereof also was measured. Inchecking the visual appearance of the first electrically conductivepolymer layer 3B, precipitations were not visible after the preliminarydrying, and the film was smooth after the main drying. The film densityof the first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.5 μm/ml·cm².

Regarding calculating the film density, a thickness of the film obtainedafter dropping 5 μl of the suspension onto the aluminum porous body foilwhich has 3×4 mm size and after performing the main drying was measured,and the measured film thickness was converted into the film thicknessper 1 ml and 1 cm².

Further, graphite layer 5 was formed on first electrically conductivepolymer layer 3B and silver/electrically conductive resin layer 6 wasformed on layer 5, so that the capacitor device was fabricated. Aftermeasuring initial ESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz, ESR changeratio (times) (=(ESR after test, 100 kHz)/(initial ESR, 100 kHz)) wascalculated as a heat-resistance property and a moisture-resistanceproperty. Here, the condition for the heat-resistance test was that thedevice was left with no load under the atmosphere at 125° C. for 500hours, while the condition for the moisture-resistance test was that thedevice was left with no load under 95% R.H. atmosphere at 65° C. for 500hours.

The number of the capacitors to be tested is 10 in each case and theaverage values of measurement results are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the initial ESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHzwas 5.2 mΩ while the ESR change ratio after the heat-resistance test was1.5 times and the ESR change ratio after the moisture-resistance testwas 1.4 times.

Example 2

Example 2 was carried out in the same way as in Example 1 except thatthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was made with mixing 0.03g of erythritol. The results thereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 1.31 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, precipitations were not visible after the preliminary drying, andthe film was smooth after the main drying. The film density of the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.53 μm/ml·cm². The initialESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 5.6 mΩ while the ESR changeratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.6 times and the ESR changeratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.5 times.

Example 3

Example 3 was carried out in the same way as in Example 1 except thatthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was made with mixing 2 gof erythritol. The results thereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 1.89 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, precipitations were not visible after the preliminary drying, andthe film was smooth after the main drying. The film density of the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.51 μm/ml·cm². The initialESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 5.5 mΩ while the ESR changeratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.5 times and the ESR changeratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.4 times.

Example 4

Example 4 was carried out in the same way as in Example 1 except thatthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was made with mixing 0.5g of xylitol instead of 0.5 g of erythritol. The results thereof areshown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 0.79 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, precipitations were not visible after the preliminary drying, andthe film was smooth after the main drying. The film density of the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.51 μm/ml·cm². The initialESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 4.8 mΩ while the ESR changeratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.4 times and the ESR changeratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.4 times.

Example 5

Example 5 was carried out in the same way as in Example 1 except thatthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was made with mixing 0.03g of xylitol instead of 0.5 g of erythritol. The results thereof areshown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 0.89 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, precipitations were not visible after the preliminary drying, andthe film was smooth after the main drying. The film density of the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.56 μm/ml·cm². The initialESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 5.2 mΩ while the ESR changeratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.5 times and the ESR changeratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.5 times.

Example 6

Example 6 was carried out in the same way as in Example 1 except thatthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was made with mixing 0.5g of pentaerythritol instead of 0.5 g of erythritol. The results thereofare shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 0.90 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, the film was smooth after the main drying. The film density of thefirst electrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.48 μm/ml·cm².

In forming first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B, theappearance of first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B was checkedby the human eyes when drying temperature changes. To be specific, afterdropping 0.5 μl of the prepared electrically conductive polymersuspension onto second electrically conductive polymer layer 3A, 1) ithad been left at normal temperature for 10 minutes; 2) it had been driedat 120° C. for 10 minutes; 3) it had been dried at 150° C. for 30minutes; and 4) it had been dried at 180° C. for 30 minutes, and, then,the checkings were respectively carried out. As the results, at theconditions 1) and 2), white precipitations remained on the surface offirst electrically conductive polymer layer 3B. At the condition 3),approximately 90% of the precipitations disappeared. At the condition4), all of the precipitations disappeared. From this, it was appreciatedthat precipitations of pentaerythritol appeared in first electricallyconductive polymer layer 3B at the preliminary drying condition 2) butall of the precipitations of pentaerythritol disappeared in view of thehuman eyes after the main drying at 180° C. Further, it was confirmedthat as the drying temperature increased, dehydration polymerizationreaction was ongoing.

The initial ESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 5.1 mΩ while theESR change ratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.3 times and theESR change ratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.3 times.

Example 7

Example 7 was carried out in the same way as in Example 16 except thatthe main drying was performed at 225° C. for 5 minutes. The resultsthereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, in checking the visual appearance of the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B, precipitations were notvisible after the main drying, and the film was smooth. The film densityof the first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.45μm/ml·cm². The initial ESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 4.7 mΩwhile the ESR change ratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.3 timesand the ESR change ratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.2times.

Example 8

Example 8 was carried out in the same way as in Example 6 except thatthe main drying was performed at 265° C. for 1 minute. The resultsthereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, in checking the visual appearance of the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B, precipitations were notvisible after the main drying, and the film was smooth. The film densityof the first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.44μm/ml·cm². The initial ESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 4.8 mΩwhile the ESR change ratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.2 timesand the ESR change ratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.2times.

Example 9

Example 9 was carried out in the same way as in Example 1 except that atantalum porous body was employed as the anode body 1. The resultsthereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, in checking the visual appearance of the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B, precipitations were notvisible after the preliminary drying, and the film was smooth after themain drying. The film density of the first electrically conductivepolymer layer 3B was 0.51 μm/ml·cm². The initial ESR of the capacitordevice at 100 kHz was 6.7 mΩ while the ESR change ratio after theheat-resistance test was 1.6 times and the ESR change ratio after themoisture-resistance test was 1.4 times.

Comparative Example 1

An porous body aluminum foil which has 3×4 mm size and which has beensubjected to a surface enlargement treatment by etching was used asanode body 1, and, then, an oxidation film as dielectric layer 2 wasformed on the surface of the foil using an electrolysis oxidizingmethod. After that, the resultant structure was repeatedly immersed intoa bath containing a monomer solution and a bath containing a dopant andoxidizing agent solution. Subsequently, second electrically conductivepolymer layer 3A made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) was formed ininternal porous portions of the porous body by a chemical polymerizationmethod.

Thereafter, 1 g of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was poured into a mixturesolution of 100 g of pure water and 2 g of polystyrene sulfonic acid(M.w.: 50,000) and the resultant mixture was stirred at normaltemperature for five minutes. Next, 40 wt % persulfuric acid ammoniumwater solution was poured by 1 ml/min so that total poured amountthereof comes to 5 g, and, then, the resultant mixture was stirred (with1,000 rpm) for 50 hours at normal temperature so that oxidationpolymerization thereof occurred. In this way, obtained was a polymersuspension containing approximately 3 wt % of the electricallyconductive polymer material component composed ofpoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonic acid.

5 μl of this electrically conductive polymer suspension was dropped ontosecond electrically conductive polymer layer 3A and was left for 10minutes at normal temperature. Next, preliminary drying was performedfor 10 minutes at 120° C. and, subsequently, main drying was performedfor 30 minutes at 180° C., thereby forming first electrically conductivepolymer layer 3B. Further, graphite layer 5 was formed on firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B and silver/electricallyconductive resin layer 6 was formed on layer 5, so that the capacitordevice was fabricated. The results thereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 2.3 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, relatively many bubbles appeared after the main drying and the filmwas smooth. The film density of the first electrically conductivepolymer layer 3B was 0.76 μm/ml·cm². The initial ESR of the capacitordevice at 100 kHz was 10.1 mΩ while the ESR change ratio after theheat-resistance test was 3.1 times and the ESR change ratio after themoisture-resistance test was 3.4 times.

Comparative Example 2

After collecting 10 g of the suspension obtained in Comparative Example1, thereto was mixed 0.5 g of ethylene glycol, and, then, the resultantmixture was stirred for 30 minutes to be dissolved, and, as a result,the electrically conductive polymer suspension was obtained.

5 μl of this electrically conductive polymer suspension was dropped ontosecond electrically conductive polymer layer 3A and was left for 10minutes at normal temperature. Next, preliminary drying was performedfor 10 minutes at 120° C. and, subsequently, main drying was performedfor 30 minutes at 180° C., thereby forming first electrically conductivepolymer layer 3B. Further, graphite layer 5 was formed on firstelectrically conductive polymer layer 3B and silver/electricallyconductive resin layer 6 was formed on layer 5, so that the capacitordevice was fabricated. The results thereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 2.15 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, the film was smooth after the main drying. The film density of thefirst electrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.61 μm/ml·cm². Theinitial ESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 8.1 mΩ while the ESRchange ratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.7 times and the ESRchange ratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.8 times.

Comparative Example 3

Comparative Example 3 was carried out in the same way as in ComparativeExample 2 except that the electrically conductive polymer suspension wasmade with mixing 0.5 g of glycerin instead of 0.5 g of ethylene glycol.The results thereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 0.99 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, the film was smooth after the main drying. The film density of thefirst electrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.59 μm/ml·cm². Theinitial ESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 7.1 mΩ while the ESRchange ratio after the heat-resistance test was 1.8 times and the ESRchange ratio after the moisture-resistance test was 1.7 times.

Comparative Example 4

Comparative Example 4 was carried out in the same way as in the secondexample except that in this example, the electrically conductive polymersuspension was made with mixing 0.5 g of sorbitol instead of 0.5 g ofethylene glycol. The results thereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 1.73 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, precipitations were not visible after the main drying, but a fewbubbles were visible, and the film was lack in the smoothness. The filmdensity of the first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B was 0.67μm/ml·cm². The initial ESR of the capacitor device at 100 kHz was 6.9 mΩwhile the ESR change ratio after the heat-resistance test was 2.1 timesand the ESR change ratio after the moisture-resistance test was 2.7times.

Comparative Example 5

Comparative Example 5 was carried out in the same way as in the secondexample except that the electrically conductive polymer suspension wasmade with mixing 0.5 g of mannitol instead of 0.5 g of ethylene glycoland that particle size distribution measurement was performed and thevisual appearance of first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B waschecked by the human eyes. The results thereof are shown in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, the D50 value in the particle size distribution ofthe electrically conductive polymer suspension was 1.91 μm. In checkingthe visual appearance of the first electrically conductive polymer layer3B, a lot of precipitations were visible after the main drying, and thefilm was lack in the smoothness. Further, it was impossible to measurethe film density of the first electrically conductive polymer andfabrication of the capacitor device was given up.

TABLE 1 mixture particle ESR change ESR change mixed size main afterafter amount distribution drying film film density initial ESRheat-resistance water-resistance kind (g) (μm, D50) temp. (° C.)appearance (μm/ml · cm²) (mΩ, 100 kHz) test (times) test (times) Ex. 1erythritol 0.5 0.92 180 good 0.50 5.2 1.5 1.4 Ex. 2 0.03 1.31 180 good0.53 5.6 1.6 1.5 Ex. 3 2.0 1.89 180 good 0.51 5.5 1.5 1.4 Ex. 4 xylitol0.5 0.79 180 good 0.51 4.8 1.4 1.4 Ex. 5 0.03 0.89 180 good 0.56 5.2 1.51.5 Ex. 6 penta- 0.5 0.90 180 good 0.48 5.1 1.3 1.3 erythritol Ex. 7 225good 0.45 4.7 1.3 1.2 Ex. 8 265 good 0.44 4.8 1.2 1.2 Ex. 9 erythritol0.5 0.92 180 good 0.51 6.7 1.6 1.4 Comp. 2.30 180 bubbles 0.76 10.1 3.13.4 Ex. 1 appeared Comp. ethylene- 0.5 2.15 180 good 0.61 8.1 1.7 1.8Ex. 2 glycol Comp. glycerin 0.5 1.99 180 good 0.59 7.1 1.8 1.7 Ex. 3Comp. sorbitol 0.5 1.73 180 a few bubbles 0.67 6.9 2.1 2.7 Ex. 4appeared Comp. mannitol 0.5 1.91 180 a lot of cannot — — — Ex. 5precipitations measured

From Examples 1 to 9 that by mixing at least one compound (A) selectedfrom erythritol, xylitol and pentaerythritol into the electricallyconductive polymer suspension, the particles in the electricallyconductive polymer suspension become finer and, hence, the dispersionability of the suspension improves. It was found from the results thatthe first electrically conductive polymer layer 3B formed by the methodhad high density, that the capacitor device had reduction of the initialESR, and that ESR risings were drastically suppressed at theheat-resistance test and moisture-resistance test.

On the other hand, such effects were not accomplished in ComparativeExample 1 in which none was added into the suspension. Further, thedrastic suppression of the ESR risings as in the present invention didnot appear in Comparative Examples 2 to 5. In particular, in ComparativeExample 4 in which sorbitol was added, the ESR risings were notconsiderably suppressed, and in Comparative Example 5 in which mannitolwas added, it was hard to form the electrically conductive polymerlayer.

It was found from the results of Examples 1 to 3 that even if the amountof the compound (A) mixed into the suspension was small, mixing thecompound (A) was sufficiently effective. This implies that the amount ofthe compound (A) may further reduce. It is found from the result ofExample 6 that when pentaerythritol is added, the film with high densityis obtained, so that the initial the ESR of the capacitor device is lowand, the ESR risings at the heat-resistance test and moisture-resistancetest are considerably suppressed.

It was found from the results of Examples 6 to 8 that by increasing thetemperature in the main drying, the film has further high density, and,hence, the initial ESR of the capacitor device was low and, the ESRrisings at the heat-resistance test and moisture-resistance test wereconsiderably suppressed. Such effects may mainly result from thedehydration polymerization reaction in the polymer film.

It was found from the above results that by mixing at least one compound(A) selected from erythritol, xylitol and pentaerythritol into theelectrically conductive polymer suspension, the electrically conductivepolymer suspension with good dispersion ability can be provided.Further, It was found that the electrically conductive polymer film withhigh density and excellent smoothness can be formed using theelectrically conductive polymer suspension and that the constituents ofthe present inventions are suitable to produce the solid electrolyticcapacitor with low ESR and with good heat-resistance andwater-resistance properties

Example 10

The electrically conductive polymer films were respectively formed on aglass substrate using the electrically conductive polymer suspensionsmade in Examples 1, 4, 6 and 8 and in Comparative Example 1. Thetemperatures at which the dispersion mediums were removed wererespectively set to the same conditions (formation of first electricallyconductive polymer layer 3B) as those in the corresponding Examples.

Visual appearances (colors and transparencies) of the obtainedelectrically conductive polymer films were checked. Subsequently, theelectrically conductive polymer films were immersed into pure water for1 hour, and, then, the water-resistance properties (swelling of theelectrically conductive polymer film and peeling-off of the film fromthe glass substrate) thereof were evaluated. The results are shown inTable 2.

TABLE 2 electrically conductive polymer film Visual appearancewater-resistance property Ex. 1 Dark deep blue no swelling transparentno peeling-off Ex. 4 black no swelling transparent no peeling-off Ex. 6dark blue no swelling (water repellency) non-transparent no peeling-offEx. 8 Dark deep blue no swelling (water repellency) non-transparent nopeeling-off Comp. dark blue swelling, Ex. 1 transparent peeling-off

Subsequently, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) wasexecuted onto the electrically conductive polymer film (Table 2, Example1). From the result, it was found that a peak of hydroxyl group derivedfrom erythritol disappears and a new spectrum which looks like that ofester appears. Thus, it was known that the organic structure changed.

Example 11

Polystyrene sulfonic acid aqueous solution (20 wt %, M.w.: 50,000) whichwas commercially available was diluted into 1 wt % thereof by purewater. Thereafter, 10 g of the 1 wt % polystyrene sulfonic acid aqueoussolution was collected, and 1 g of erythritol was mixed thereto, and,then, the mixture was stirred at normal temperature for 30 minutes to bedissolved. The solution was dropped onto the glass substrate and wasleft at normal temperature.

Thereafter, TG/DTA (differential thermal analysis) was executed ontoerythritol. Condition for this analysis was that the temperature wasincremented by 10° C./min under air. As the result, a melting peakappeared at near 120° C. Next, the temperature of the composition on theglass substrate was incremented step-by-step within aconstant-temperature tank, and, the visual appearance thereof waschecked. As the result, the visual appearance of the composition becametransparent at near 125° C., and the color turned into light brown near150° C., and turned into dark brown at near 180° C.

At the same time, the visual appearance of the composition which did notcontain erythritol but which contained only polystyrene sulfonic acidwas checked. As the result, the visual appearance of the compositiondoes not substantially change though the temperature increases to 180°C. and the color was light yellow.

Example 12

Example 12 was carried out in the same way as in Example 11 except that0.3 g of pentaerythritol was mixed instead of 1 g of erythritol.

Thereafter, TG/DTA (differential thermal analysis) was executed ontopentaerythritol. As the result, a melting peak appeared at near 193° C.Next, temperature of the composition on the glass substrate wasincremented step-by-step within a constant-temperature tank, and, thevisual appearance thereof was checked. As the result, the visualappearance of the composition did not change near at 150° C., and thecolor turned into light brown at near 180° C., turned into dark brown atnear 225° C., and turned into slightly blackish dark brown at near 265°C.

Example 13

Example 13 was carried out in the same way as in Example 11 except thata water-soluble polyester sulfonic acid resin (25 wt %, M.w.: 28,000)which was commercially available was used instead of the polystyrenesulfonic acid aqueous solution (20 wt %, M.w.: 50,000). As the result,the visual appearance of the composition has, at near the sametemperature, similar changed state.

Example 14

Example 14 was carried out in the same way as in Example 11 except thata polyacrylic acid (45 wt %, M.w.: 10,000) which was commerciallyavailable was used instead of the polystyrene sulfonic acid aqueoussolution (20 wt %, M.w.: 50,000). As the results, the visual appearanceof the composition has, at near the same temperature, similar changedstate.

Example 15

10 g of the electrically conductive polymer solution (amount of solidcomponent: approximately 3.5 wt %) composed ofpoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonic acid which arecommercially available was collected, and 1 g of erythritol was mixedthereto, and, then, the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes to bedissolved.

Thereafter, the dissolved solution was dropped onto a glass substrateand was dried for 30 minutes at 180° C. to form a electricallyconductive polymer film. The visual appearance thereof changes from dartblue to dark deep blue. Subsequently, water-resistance properties wereevaluated in the same way as in Example 10. As the results, there wassmall swelling of the electrically conductive polymer film, but peelingoff from the glass substrate thereof does not occur. Subsequently, FTIR(Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) was executed onto theelectrically conductive polymer film. From the result, it was found thata peak of hydroxyl group derived from erythritol disappeared and a newspectrum which looks like that of ester appeared. Thus, it was knownthat the organic structure changed.

Example 16

Example 16 was carried out in the same way as in Example 15 except that1 g of xylitol was mixed instead of 1 g of erythritol, and thewater-resistance properties were evaluated. As the results, swelling andpeeling-off did not appear.

Example 17

Example 17 was carried out in the same way as in Example 15 except that0.3 g of pentaerythritol was mixed instead of 1 g of erythritol, and thewater-resistance properties were evaluated. As the results, swelling andpeeling-off did not appear. Further, the surface of the electricallyconductive polymer film changed to hydrophobic surface which had waterrepellency.

Example 18

Example 18 was carried out in the same way as in Example 15 except that0.3 g of pentaerythritol as well as 1 g of erythritol was mixed and thewater-resistance properties were evaluated. As the results, swelling andpeeling-off did not appear. Further, the surface of the electricallyconductive polymer film changed to hydrophobic surface which has waterrepellency.

It was found from the results of Example 10 that as for the electricallyconductive polymer composition obtained by removing the dispersionmedium from the electrically conductive polymer suspension containing atleast one compound (A) selected from erythritol, xylitol andpentaerythritol, the appearance (color and transparency) changed and thewater-resistance properties (swelling and peeling off from the glasssubstrate) drastically improved. In particular, as for the electricallyconductive polymer film containing pentaerythritol, the surface haschanged to the hydrophobic surface and, hence, such specific change wasconfirmed. It is understood from this specific change thatpentaerythritol has different back-bone structure from that oferythritol having equal hydroxyl groups and, in turn, the differencecauses the specific change.

Additionally, from the FTIR analysis results, a peak of hydroxyl groupdisappeared and, thereafter, the similar new spectrum appeared.Accordingly, it is understood that an organic structure changes byinteraction with polyacid.

In Examples 11 to 13 in which the polyacid component was used, thepolysulfonic acids having different main chains from each otherexhibited the same appearance change. Accordingly, it is implied thatthere are interactions with the sulfonic acid group and it is understoodthat the main chains are not particularly limited. Similarly, in Example14 in which the polyacrylic acid was used, the same appearance changewas exhibited. Accordingly, it is implied that there are interactionswith the carboxylic acid group, as in the sulfonic acid group, and it isunderstood that the carboxylic acid may be used.

In Examples 11 and 12, from the results of the visual appearance changesof the composition at near the melting temperatures of erythritol andpentaerythritol, it was found that the visual appearance changed intemperature range above the melting temperature. Further, it wasconfirmed that this appearance change corresponded to those of theelectrically conductive polymer films (in Examples 6 and 8) which arewritten in Table 2 of Example 10.

In Examples 15 to 17, the water-resistance improved, and, in particular,the surface of the electrically conductive polymer film containingpentaerythritol especially changed to the hydrophobic surface.

In Example 18 in which both of erythritol and pentaerythritol wereadded, the surface of the electrically conductive polymer film changedto the hydrophobic surface which had water repellency, as in the casethat only pentaerythritol was added.

In those ways, it was apparent that by adding at least one compound (A)selected from erythritol, xylitol and pentaerythritol, the electricallyconductive polymer composition in which the appearance (color andtransparency) change characteristics and water-resistance propertiesdrastically improves can be provided.

LIST OF COMPONENTS

-   1: anode body-   2: dielectric layer-   3: solid electrolyte layer-   3A: second electrically conductive polymer layer-   3B: first electrically conductive polymer layer-   4: cathode layer-   5: graphite layer-   6: silver/electrically conductive resin layer

1. An electrically conductive polymer suspension comprising: anelectrically conductive polymer material comprising a dopant composed ofa polyacid or a salt thereof and an electrically conductive polymer; atleast one compound (A) selected from erythritol, xylitol andpentaerythritol; and a dispersion medium.
 2. The electrically conductivepolymer suspension according to claim 1, wherein the electricallyconductive polymer material comprises, as the dopant, a polysulfonicacid or a polycarboxylic acid.
 3. The electrically conductive polymersuspension according to claim 2, wherein the electrically conductivepolymer material comprises, as the dopant, a polystyrene sulfonic acidor a polyester sulfonic acid.
 4. The electrically conductive polymersuspension according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductivepolymer material comprises, as the electrically conductive polymer, apolymer obtained by polymerizing at least one monomer selected from agroup consisted of pyrrole, thiophene, aniline and derivatives thereof.5. An electrically conductive polymer composition obtained by removingthe dispersion medium from the electrically conductive polymersuspension according to claim
 1. 6. The electrically conductive polymercomposition according to claim 5, wherein removing the dispersion mediumis carried out at the melting temperature of the compound (A) or higher.7. A solid electrolytic capacitor comprising a solid electrolyte layercomprising the electrically conductive polymer composition according toclaim
 5. 8. The solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 7,further comprising an anode body made of a valve action metal, and adielectric layer formed on the surface of the anode body, wherein thesolid electrolyte layer is formed on the dielectric layer.
 9. The solidelectrolytic capacitor according to claim 7, wherein the valve actionmetal is at least one selected from aluminum, tantalum or niobium.
 10. Amethod for producing a solid electrolytic capacitor, comprising: forminga dielectric layer on a surface of an anode body made of a valve actionmetal; and forming a first electrically conductive polymer layer byapplication or impregnation of the electrically conductive polymersuspension according to claim 1 onto the dielectric layer, and byremoving the dispersion medium from the electrically conductive polymersuspension.
 11. The method for producing a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to claim 10, further comprising, before forming the firstelectrically conductive polymer layer, forming a second electricallyconductive polymer layer on the dielectric layer by a chemical oxidationpolymerization or an electrolysis polymerization.
 12. The method forproducing a solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 10, whereinin forming the first electrically conductive polymer layer, removing thedispersion medium is carried out at the melting temperature of thecompound (A) or higher.
 13. The method for producing a solidelectrolytic capacitor according to claim 12, wherein the temperature atwhich the dispersion medium is removed is 150° C. or higher and lowerthan 270° C.
 14. The method for producing a solid electrolytic capacitoraccording to claim 10, wherein an oxidation film covering the valveaction metal is formed as the dielectric layer.
 15. The method forproducing a solid electrolytic capacitor according to claim 10, whereinthe valve action metal is at least one selected from aluminum, tantalumor niobium.
 16. The electrically conductive polymer suspension accordingto claim 2, wherein the electrically conductive polymer materialcomprises, as the electrically conductive polymer, a polymer obtained bypolymerizing at least one monomer selected from a group consisted ofpyrrole, thiophene, aniline and derivatives thereof.
 17. Theelectrically conductive polymer suspension according to claim 3, whereinthe electrically conductive polymer material comprises, as theelectrically conductive polymer, a polymer obtained by polymerizing atleast one monomer selected from a group consisted of pyrrole, thiophene,aniline and derivatives thereof.
 18. An electrically conductive polymercomposition obtained by removing the dispersion medium from theelectrically conductive polymer suspension according to claim
 2. 19. Anelectrically conductive polymer composition obtained by removing thedispersion medium from the electrically conductive polymer suspensionaccording to claim
 3. 20. An electrically conductive polymer compositionobtained by removing the dispersion medium from the electricallyconductive polymer suspension according to claim 4.